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Unions Are Permitted
Up until 1872 it was illegal for workers to create unions. This was when people striked which caused the abolition the anti-union law. -
Labor Celebrations
Representatives were invited an American union leader to Toronto's labor celebrations. He was so inspired by the celebrations, that he suggested celebrating in New York. -
First Labor Day Parade
Thousands of New York laborers marched from city hall to Union Square. They gathered in Resevoir Park for picnics, speeches, and rallies. This is known as the first Labor Day parade. -
New Jersey's Labor Celebration
A machinist from New Jersey, Matthew McGuire, also suggested a labor celebration. This happened just after the labor celebration in New York. -
The Second Labor Day
The second Labor Day took place on the same date of the year before. This followed the planes of the Central Labor Union. -
Railroad Strike
In 1884 railroad workers went on strike due to wages. The president then sent 1,200 troops to end the strike. -
Official Labor Day
In 1884 it was made official that Labor Day would take place on the first monday in September. Other cities followed and claimed it as the "workingman's holiday." -
Oregan Legalizes Labor Day
In 1887 Oregan becomes the first stateto leagalize Labor Day. Soon after several states followed the same action. -
Labor Day is Created
Grover Cleveland officially made Labor Day a federal holiday but failed to break up the railroad strike. Although making Labor Day a holiday, he lost the election. -
Labor Day Effects
One third of workers were unionized in the workforce. Labor Day became a day workers rallied for safer conditions and proper pay.
